After buying a Mac, you may still encounter needs for software that only works on Windows, such as online banking, citizen digital certificates, card readers, stock trading programs, or Steam games. This video actually compares UTM, VMware Fusion, and Parallels Desktop, and demonstrates the integrated operations, peripheral support, and gaming performance after installing Windows 11 on an Apple Silicon Mac.
Video Chapters
- 00:00 Why would you still run Windows after buying a Mac?
- 01:13 UTM vs. VMware Fusion Free Plan Comparison
- 02:41 What’s good about Parallels Desktop?
- 02:58 One-Click Install Windows 11
- 03:56 Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS virtual machines
- 04:34 Fusion Mode Actual Operation
- 06:34 Windows programs, card reader, and online banking real-world test
- 07:23 Hands-On Test of the Citizen Digital Certificate and the Three Bamboo Stock App
- 08:13 Steam, LOL, and 3A game recommendations
- 09:57 Parallels Toolbox Productivity Tool
- 10:38 Subscription Customer Support Differences
- How to choose between 11:11 Standard, Pro, and Business?
- 12:27 Parallels Desktop or free virtual machine?
Why does Mac still need Windows?
macOS itself is smooth and easy to use, but some work environments still rely primarily on Windows. The scenarios mentioned in the video include Windows-only software, Windows versions of programs you’ve already purchased, online banking and certificate services, brokerage platforms for viewing quotes and placing orders, and some Steam games. The value of a virtual machine is that it lets the same Mac handle both macOS and Windows work without switching computers.
Parallels Desktop Official Download / Discount Page
What’s the difference between UTM, VMware Fusion, and Parallels Desktop?
UTM is free, but the video points out that its installation steps, display performance, external device support, and game compatibility are more limited. VMware Fusion is free for personal use and offers more complete software and peripheral compatibility than UTM, though the download and registration process is relatively cumbersome. Parallels Desktop, on the other hand, greatly simplifies the installation process by automatically downloading and creating a Windows 11 environment, making it more suitable for users who want to get set up quickly.
Regardless of which virtual machine you use, the installed Windows still needs to be separately licensed. For short-term testing, the system can run without activation, but there will be limitations such as restricted personalization settings and activation prompts.
Fusion mode: Windows software directly integrated into macOS
One of Parallels Desktop’s key integration features is Coherence Mode. When enabled, the Windows desktop can be hidden, and Edge, Steam, or other Windows apps appear as standalone windows on the macOS desktop and in the Dock. Users can also hand Windows installer files directly to the virtual machine from Finder to open them, without having to manually transfer files first.
The video simultaneously shows macOS and Windows applications running side by side, with browsers, files, and program windows on both sides operating without interfering with each other. For those who are new to Mac after switching from Windows and still rely on their existing habits and software, this integrated approach can reduce switching costs.
Hands-On Test of Card Readers, Online Banking, Citizen Digital Certificates, and Stock Market Viewing Software
External devices are a key factor in whether a virtual machine is practical. In the video, the card reader is handed over to Windows 11, and banking applications and web services are demonstrated in practice. It then tests the login process for the Natural Person Certificate as well as tax filing and tax inquiry. The Windows-only version of Mitake Stock can also be installed and run in the virtual machine; after logging in with a brokerage account, it can be used for market monitoring and order placement.
Different banks, government services, card reader drivers, and corporate environments may each have their own limitations, so it’s best to use the trial period to verify your device and required programs before going live.
Which Windows games can you play on a Mac virtual machine?
Parallels Desktop can install Steam, and indie games with lower hardware requirements are usually easier to run; the video also demonstrates that League of Legends can be launched. However, Apple Silicon runs Windows 11 ARM, and some games still require x86 translation. If the anti-cheat system doesn’t support ARM, it may still block you before entering the game. These kinds of issues aren’t necessarily solved by upgrading your Mac specs or switching virtual machine versions.
The performance of major AAA games depends on the Mac’s processor, memory, and GPU tier. If your primary goal is high-quality gaming, cloud gaming or a dedicated Windows gaming PC is usually more straightforward; virtual machines are better suited for balancing work with occasional gaming.
Parallels Toolbox, Customer Service, and Version Selection
The subscription plan includes Parallels Toolbox, which provides over 50 utility tools, such as finding large or duplicate files, freeing up storage space, adjusting memory, PDF merge/split/compress, QR Code, and more. Subscribers also get access to official phone and email customer support, which is more valuable for commercial environments that require stable support.
Standard is suitable for general Windows, Office, and common software; Pro provides higher CPU and memory configurations, suitable for developers and heavy users; Business adds enterprise centralized licensing, deployment, and management features. Actual plans, prices, and promotions may be adjusted; check before purchasing. Parallels Desktop Official Download / Deals Page。
Who should use Parallels Desktop?
If you only occasionally open a simple Windows program and are willing to handle installation and compatibility issues yourself, VMware Fusion is still a free option worth considering. If you frequently use Windows-only software, card readers, online banking, or work systems, and want easy installation with natural macOS and Windows integration, Parallels Desktop would be the more time-saving choice. It’s recommended to first list the software and peripherals you can’t do without, then use trial versions to verify compatibility one by one.
Source: KOCPC Chinese